The NY Giants have always had high hopes for former 2019 first-round pick Dexter Lawrence. In his first three seasons with New York, he has turned into one of the best young defensive tackles in the game.
The 24-year-old playmaker has all the tools to make a significant jump heading into his fourth season. Last campaign, he certainly impressed many fans, as he got to opposing teams’ quarterbacks consistently, tallying up 11 quarterback hits, along with 2.5 sacks.
Lawrence has improved each year with the Giants, and fans should expect their young DT to do the same in 2022. His ability to impact the game in different areas is something that cannot be overlooked.
Remember Peak Shaun Rogers? Dexter Lawrence could be that. He's not just a two-down fat guy--he can split double teams and disrupt at 340-whatever pounds. pic.twitter.com/6kzTQo9TBH
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) August 22, 2019
Doug Farrar, an NFL editor of USA Today, ranked Lawrence as the 11th best interior lineman heading into the upcoming season. The big defensive lineman has what it takes to become a force, he just needs to put it all together heading into his fourth season with New York. How can he do that?
Dexter Lawrence must add more explosiveness to his game
The 340-pound DT is already explosive for his size, but if he can become even more of a force, then he would certainly be one of the most dangerous defensive threats on the Giants roster. Being able to get to the QB as fast as possible is essential in today’s NFL, especially since today’s QBs are taught to get rid of the ball ASAP.
Last season in just 10 starts, Lawrence was able to put together 11 total quarterback hits. On top of that, he also has gotten better each season, recording a career best 54 tackles in 2021.
Lawrence is already very good at getting to the QB, but if he wants to take things to the next level then he needs to become even better at it. Lawrence has the potential to become one of the most feared DTs in the league, and the Giants would surely benefit from it if it happens.
Dexter Lawrence must become a locker room leader for the NY Giants
This New York Giants roster is a very young one. The team has lots of hopes for its talented youth, and are hoping they can build a foundation around them. In recent years though, the team hasn’t had someone step up in a leadership role.
Every good team has its leaders, and they are usually the players that have been there the longest. Although he is only 24 years old, Lawrence could still become a focal point in New York’s locker room. He has been in Giants’ blue for his three-year career since being selected in the first round of the 2019 draft.
During this offseason, Lawrence was speaking to reporters and informed them about his hopes of becoming a voice in the locker room, stating: “I’m becoming an older guy and have more responsibility to be a leader. You know, I put it on myself to help guys line up or get the strength call, the kind of things I do for myself and for everybody.”
Lawrence has a great amount of talent and a unique skill set on the defensive line, but stepping up as a leader is something that could be key for the New York Giants in the upcoming season.
Under new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, fans could expect to see a defense that is always trying to put pressure on opposing QBs. This style of defense will only benefit Lawrence, as he has improved his pass-rushing skills in each of his first three seasons.
With the talent and skills he attains, he could easily become one of the most feared pass-rushers in the league. He still can impact the game off the field just as much as on. If Lawrence can take on a leadership role and put his skills all together, then the Giants will have a very valuable piece on defense for years to come.